Everything you need to know ahead of this weekend's race in Jeddah!

The 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Round 5 of the Formula 1 season, takes place April 18-20 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, a 6.174-km street track with 27 corners, making it the fastest street circuit in F1 with average speeds around 252 km/h. Here’s your essential guide:

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Race Weekend Schedule (BST)

Friday, April 18:

Free Practice 1: 14:30-15:30

Free Practice 2: 18:00-19:00

Saturday, April 19:

Free Practice 3: 14:30-15:30

Qualifying: 18:00-19:00

Sunday, April 20:

Race: 18:00 (50 laps, build-up from 17:15)

Circuit Highlights

Track: Designed by Hermann Tilke, it’s the second-fastest on the calendar (behind Monza) with high-speed, flowing corners and three DRS zones (main straight, Turn 19 exit, Turn 25 entry in 2024, TBC for 2025).

Key Corners: Turn 13 (banked, great for viewing), Turns 1-2 (high-speed), and Turns 5-20 (narrow, intense). Overtaking is prioritized, unlike traditional street circuits.

Tyres: Pirelli’s softest range (C3 Hard, C4 Medium, C5 Soft) due to low asphalt abrasion and evolving grip. Starting pressures: 25.5 psi (front).

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Event Details

Support Races: Formula 2, F1 Academy, Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East.

Concerts: Post-race performances by Jennifer Lopez and PartyNextDoor (Saturday), Usher and Major Lazer (Sunday), accessible with all tickets.

Fan Zones: Main Fan Village (behind Main Grandstand) and Central Fan Village (near Turns 7-10) offer food, merchandise, and entertainment.

Pit Lane Walk: TBC for 2025, but in 2024, it was Thursday, 15:00-16:30 for ticket holders.

Venue Hours: Gates open 13:00 daily; Paddock Club at 14:00 (Fri/Sat), 13:30 (Sun). Closes midnight (Fri), 11:00 pm (Sat/Sun). No entry after 18:00.

Weather: Hot and dry, highs of 33°C, dropping to 22°C at night. Pack warmer clothes for evening sessions.

Race Context

History: Debuted in 2021. Max Verstappen has won twice (2022, 2024), with Lewis Hamilton (2021) and Sergio Perez (2023) also victorious. Perez holds the most poles (2022-2023).

2025 Outlook: Red Bull has dominated (three wins in four races), but McLaren’s recent pace, led by Oscar Piastri, could challenge. Ferrari’s SF-25 updates show promise, per team principal Frederic Vasseur.

Standings: Verstappen aims to maintain his 100% podium record in Jeddah. McLaren’s Lando Norris and Piastri are ones to watch after strong early-season form.

Tickets and Viewing

Grandstands:

Main Grandstand B: Views of Turns 1-2, pit lane, start/finish.

Central Grandstand A/C: Intense action at Turns 5, 19-20.

General Admission: Affordable, standing-only, access to Fan Zones and concerts.

Premium: Paddock Club and Premium Suite offer VIP hospitality, pit lane walks, and start/finish views.

Cost: Mid-priced destination; average spend ~$1,150 USD for tickets and accommodation. Early-bird discounts up to 20%.

Availability: Some ticket packages sold out; check 2026 options or official sites like saudiarabiangp.com or motorsporttickets.com.

Travel and Tips

Getting There: Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport is ~30 minutes from the track. Taxis, Uber, or car share recommended; public transport is limited.

Accommodation: High-end hotels (Shangri-La, Sheraton, Radisson Blu) near the circuit are popular but book early. Budget options south along the Corniche.

Culture: Explore Jeddah’s souks, waterfront, and historic sites. Note: No alcohol at the event.

Safety: Circuit tweaked in 2023 for driver safety. Security checks are mandatory; check prohibited items list.

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How to Watch

TV/Streaming (U.S.): ESPN, ESPN+.

UK: Sky Sports F1, BBC Radio 5 Live.

Live Updates: ESPN’s live blog (from 17:15 BST Sunday) or RacingNews365’s live blog.

What to Expect

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit’s high-speed layout and close walls demand precision, promising intense battles, especially at Turns 1, 13, and the DRS zones. With McLaren’s momentum, Ferrari’s updates, and Red Bull’s dominance, expect a fierce fight. Off-track, Jeddah’s vibrant atmosphere, concerts, and fan villages make it a festival of F1.